Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The Carbohydrate-to-Nitrogen (C:N) ratio is a physiological index that influences the balance between vegetative growth and reproductive development in plants.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
In 1918, E.J. Kraus and H.R. Kraybill conducted a seminal physiological study on the relation of carbohydrates and nitrogen compounds to growth and reproduction.
Their research was carried out using the Tomato crop (Solanum lycopersicum).
Based on their findings, they categorized plants into four physiological states:
1. Highly vegetative and non-fruitful: High nitrogen, low carbohydrates.
2. Moderately vegetative and highly fruitful: Moderate nitrogen, high carbohydrates (optimum C:N ratio).
3. Poorly vegetative and weakly fruitful: Low nitrogen, high carbohydrates.
4. Non-vegetative and non-fruitful: Very low nitrogen, extremely low carbohydrates.
This study established that the initiation of flower buds and successful fruit set are not determined by either carbohydrates or nitrogen alone, but by the relative balance (ratio) of the two in the plant tissue.
This concept remains a cornerstone of plant physiology, orchard canopy management, and fertilizer scheduling in horticulture.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The C:N ratio concept was suggested by Kraus and Kraybill in the Tomato crop.